This November, the hit Broadway musical Come From Away will premiere on the North Fork in Riverhead, with the Riverhead Faculty and Community Theater putting on the show.
Performances will take place at the Charles Cardona Auditorium at Riverhead High School (700 Harrison Ave., Riverhead, 631-369-6723) on Nov. 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30 p.m., and on Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
Come From Away is based on a true story. The tale is set on the island of Newfoundland in Canada, where 7,000 airplane passengers were stranded when the U.S. shut down its airspace on September 11, 2001. The small town of Gander’s residents had to quickly figure out how to house and feed thousands of travelers who were scared and stranded, ultimately finding connection, joy and unity in welcoming their unexpected guests.
The critically acclaimed musical, written by Tony nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, ran on Broadway for over five years and has been staged all over the world.
The RFCT’s production of the show features a talented 23-actor cast and is produced by Kira Grattan-Heck and directed by brothers Michael and Robert Horn.
“At its heart, Come From Away is a celebration of the human spirit — a reminder that kindness has no boundaries and that sometimes strangers become family,” the brothers say.
The Riverhead Faculty and Community Theater (RFCT) was founded in 1980 by teachers at Riverhead High School. The nonprofit group is known for musical revues and productions, and in 2012 youth productions were added to their repertoire.
RFCT’s mission is for their theatrical productions to support community education, build member talents and promote the dramatic arts. Proceeds from its productions fund annual scholarships for graduating high school seniors as well as equipment and props for the Fine Arts Department.
“I first got involved with RFCT in 2019 when my oldest daughter, who is now a senior in college, was performing in youth on stage shows with RFCT,” says Grattan-Heck. “At the time, I was just a parent there to support my daughter and had no theatre experience of my own. I come from a family with a long history of volunteering and giving back to the community … I eventually joined the Board, where I now serve as Treasurer.”
Come From Away is the fourth show that Grattan-Heck has produced for the RFCT.
“What I especially love about Come From Away is that it’s a true story about everyday people who stepped up to help complete strangers without expecting anything in return. Having grown up with and having taught my own children the importance of volunteering and community involvement, that message really hits home for me,” she says. “I’m proud that RFCT is bringing this show to the North Fork for the first time and even prouder of the entire group of people who have come together to make it happen.”
Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for students; performances runs 90-minutes with no intermission. To reserve your tickets, click here.
